Mammoet Completes Heavy Lift Operations for Munin Topsides Delivery

Mammoet has completed a series of critical heavy lift and marine operations supporting delivery of the Munin topsides for Aker BP's Yggdrasil development in the North Sea. Contracted by Aibel in late 2023, the company handled complex module moves, load-outs and a challenging transshipment spanning yards in Thailand and Haugesund, Norway. The completed topside was successfully loaded out onto a transportation barge in July within a narrow tidal window, and is now ready for offshore sailaway.

 

Background to the Project

 

The work supports a significant North Sea development. Aibel is responsible for the EPC delivery of the Munin topside. This forms part of Aker BP's Yggdrasil development. Topsides construction took place at Aibel's yard in Haugesund. Module and section deliveries came from Aibel's yard in Thailand.

Mammoet was engaged to support critical operations. Aibel contracted the company in late 2023. Its role covered heavy lift and marine activities. These were essential to delivering the Munin topsides. The engagement spanned operations across two countries.

 

Scope of the Operations

 

Mammoet's work encompassed several major activities. One was the site move of the Utility Module in Thailand. This moved it from the fabrication site to the nearby quayside. It was then loaded out onto a Marine Transport Vessel. This vessel shipped it to Haugesund in Norway.

Further operations took place on arrival in Norway. Mammoet handled the load-in of the module and sections. This followed the transport vessel's arrival in Haugesund. It also managed the site move of the assembled topsides. This included load-out onto the transportation barge before sailaway.

 

Complex Transshipment Challenges

 

The operations presented significant technical challenges. Activities in both Thailand and Haugesund were complex. They required careful planning and execution throughout. Mammoet mobilised specialised equipment in both locations. It also deployed experienced personnel to each site.

Shallow water conditions complicated the Haugesund operations. These necessitated a complex transshipment operation. The shallow quayside required transfer to a smaller barge. This preceded the load-in to the quayside itself. A subsequent site move took place inside Aibel's assembly hall.

 

Read more: Ørsted On Track for 2026 Guidance as Renewable Output Hits Record

 

Managing Difficult Conditions

 

Weather and precision requirements added further difficulty. Challenging winter weather affected the operations. Demanding positioning tolerances were required for final installation. This involved mating the Utility Module with the process module. These challenges arose within Aibel's assembly hall.

Both companies successfully managed these demands. The operational challenges were significant but overcome. Careful coordination allowed the work to proceed. The mating of the modules was completed successfully. This demonstrated the precision achieved despite the conditions.

 

The Final Load-Out

 

The completed topside underwent final preparations in July. It was weighed to confirm its specifications. This established its final weight and centre of gravity. Confirmation of these figures preceded the load-out. This step is critical for a safe transfer operation.

The load-out itself was a demanding operation. The topside was loaded onto the transportation barge. This was classified as a Class 1 operation. It was performed within a narrow tidal window. This required meticulous planning and coordination to achieve.

 

Collaboration and Outcome

 

Close collaboration underpinned the project's success. The partnership between Aibel and Mammoet was a key factor. This collaboration contributed to the successful execution. It spanned all the critical activities involved. The relationship proved central to managing the challenges.

Mammoet's contribution combined several elements. It provided specialised equipment for the operations. It also contributed technical expertise and experienced personnel. This supported Aibel's safe and successful delivery. The Munin topsides is now ready for offshore sailaway from Haugesund.